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Japanese Wakizashi Samurai Sword

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hxv Mentor

hxv

Posted
Posted

Alex,

 

Can't tell much from the pictures you posted. You need close up, hi-res pictures for any detail to show. I don't know what you mean by "collectible." Every nihonto collector has his/her own criteria. If what you meant to ask is, "Is it a nihonto?" Then, yes, it does look like a nihonto from what I can see in the pictures.

 

Regards,

Hoanh

hxv Mentor

hxv

Posted
Posted

Alex,

 

We need hi-res pics of the nakago so we can read the mei. Even if the mei translates correctly, it's still impossible to verify the seller's account of how he comes in possession of it. Then, there is the question of whether the mei is genuine, i.e., the mei was actually inscribed, or commissioned to be inscribed, by the sword smith in question. That is a much harder question sometimes. However, in this case, since the sword smith is not too highly ranked, if the mei translates correctly, it's highly likely to be a genuine signature. Bottom line: we still need to be able to see the nakago to read the mei. Can you ask the seller for pictures of both sides of the nakago?

 

Also, you need better (close up, focused) pictures of the sword, one small section at a time, on both sides, to see if the sword has any "fatal flaws." Otherwise, you might end up with a sword that is literally worthless.

 

Regards,

Hoanh

Jean

Jean

Posted
Posted

Run away, Alex and now you are going to tell me why I tell you to run away, so you can learn.

If I give you the answer, you won't learn.

 

I am going to give you a birthday present (by Gollum):

http://www.sho-shin.com/contents.htm

http://www.sho-shin.com/smith.htm

http://www.sho-shin.com/titles.htm

 

 

Search this site, you will have all the explanation needed on title, nengo, there is a glossary ...

 

But first, you must read so as to learn smiths names, as you may know painters names, schools..

One book mandatory: "The Connoisseures of the Japanese sword" by Nagayama Kokan (for 30$, I'll thing Grey as a few second hand copies)

 

 

EDIT TO ADD: Paul, sorry, I deleted your post as you gave him right away the solution and by doing this, Alex won't learn.

Jean

Jean

Posted
Posted

I am going to give you the methodology, question you must ask yourself at the beginning

 

Who is the smith? you have found the 2 smiths. Google the name and try to find a reference price. To help you, go to the link I have provided you "Sho-Shin/smiths" and see what is their rating.

I guess, very high. Now, why is this sword is on sale on e-bay, subject to bids, as it could be sold at a good price?

 

Now, this is a good blade or it seems. What would you do, if you had a blade signed which could be worth some $ ? me, I'll try to have the signature validated and a certificate.

 

This blade has no certificate, it seems ....

The seller knows enough to tranlate the signature but not to try to find what is the value of this sword?

 

 

Last, search the website, you will see that the story of the Grand'Pa bringing back a sword from the war is a classical. It may happen, but since, once, I have read this story and that the blade shown was a Chinese fake, I am very cautious.

 

Where did you get the pictures you posted? The picture of the tang is to small to check the signature, why?

Jean

Jean

Posted
Posted

Nevertheless, it can be a good blade, but you must pay for it the value of an unsigned sword. Cost of polish if it is worth it, let say 1000$, so don't pay it more than 500 $. Depends if there is a koshirae or not.

 

Could you post the link, to see what the blade looks like and if it has defaults? And above all, the way the blade is listed with the pictures and wording.

 

I am out tomorrow but I am sure some people on the board will carry on the discussion and the training.

 

 

PS: as you did not post the link, I made some hypothesis, the main one being there is no certificate.

Jean

Jean

Posted
Posted

I am leaving in 10 minutes.

 

Forget the bullshit about the koshirae description, who is going to believe it dates from mid 17th century. I have not seen the scabbard. The tosogu (handle mountings) are medium / low, forget the gold part.

 

The seller has made some research, he acknowledes the signature being from a master smith but he adds it can have been made by a pupil, so consider it as fake.

 

The seller seems to be a pro of e-bay, I would forget the Gran'Pa part, if it is true, I would not see a Japanese soldier going to war with a 17th century mount and a loose handle.

 

So, we have a nihonto with a questionable signatire which needs polishing and to be valuable has to go to Shinsa to validate the mei. If rejected (pink slipped), mei has to be removed before being resubmitted ....

 

All depends on what you are looking after: a fine sword or one to be restored or simply a Japanese sword

 

Roy,

 

In fact, you know as well as me, that all the questions I have been pointing out can be applied to any antiques one is willing to buy on e-bay, I call it common sense. There is not shorter way than studying when you want to buy some artifact. :D

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